Sep 13, 2009
Thousands ride for multiple sclerosis in Northern California at Bike MS Wave to Wine 2009 Ride
San Francisco, CA -- The Northern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society this weekend held its 26th annual Bike MS Waves Wine to Ride from San Francisco to Healdsburg. More than 2000 cyclists braved the elements aiming to raise a record $1.75 million for MS services and programs and to support national MS research.
The Chairman of the chapter’s Board of Trustees, Tom Galizzia, participated in Waves to Wine for the 15th year. “This is an extraordinary event for a very important cause. Not only do I ride because of the fantastic route and the great exercise, but because I want to help the over 20,000 Northern Californians living with this disease. With our help, I know that we will find a cure,” said Galizzia, whose team Deloitte Difference has raised over $44,000 locally. Last year, his team raised over $448,000 nationally.
Early morning on Saturday, September 12th, cyclists awoke to an unusual thunder and lightning storm yet still came out to the start line at UCSF Mission Bay campus for an early ride. They then made their way along the San Francisco Embarcadero and across the Golden Gate Bridge and up the Marin and Sonoma Coast with well stocked rest stops every 12 to 15 miles. After riding either 40, 75 or 100 miles, cyclists were welcomed to a festival at the overnight location at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park that included a live DJ, beer and wine tent, expo, pasta dinner, clown show, and an awards presentation.
On Sunday, September 13th, riders were enjoyed either a 50 or 75 route through picturesque Sonoma County vineyards. They finished the ride at the lovely Lake Sonoma where they enjoyed a festive BBQ and music. Riders and their bikes were then shuttled back to their start location.
About Bike MS: Waves to Wine
Established in 1980, the National MS Society’s Bike MS Ride is the country’s largest organized charity bicycling event series. Bike MS: Waves to Wine is now in its 26th year and attracts over 2,000 riders from all over the world. Last year, participants raised $1.7 million to help create a world free of MS. Bike MS: Waves to Wine is a two-day fully supported ride that includes six full meals, generous amenities, stocked rest stops every 12 to 15 miles, SAG vehicles, camp sites, spirited festivities and music, a wine and beer garden, massage tent, and more. Cyclists can choose from 40, 75 and 100 miles routes on Saturday, and 50 and 75 mile routes on Sunday.